Public transport operators in Portland and St Mary withdraw service

Taxi operators in Portland and St Mary joined their colleagues in withdrawing their services on Monday to protest what they say is the unfair demerit points system and suspension of licences.

In Portland, with the exception of a few taxi operators, the majority of vehicles remained parked from as early as 6 a.m. Monday. 

Drivers who ply the routes between Port Antonio and Hector's River and Buff Bay and Port Antonio gathered at Foreshore Road and at the Cenotaph at various hangout spots in the parish. 

Some of the operators held placards, while others could be heard demanding justice in relation to the traffic rules.

The public transport operators said they were particularly upset about the demerit points issue, which has led to the suspension of the driver's licences of some of their colleagues. 

The protests also left many students stranded, forcing them to walk to school, while disrupting commerce throughout the parish

And in Annotto Bay and Port Maria in St Mary, the public passenger transport system was grounded after taxi and bus operators also withdrew their services on the major routes in the parish.

The police and Transport Authority personnel were visible in Port Antonio, Annotto Bay and Port Maria as they kept an eye on the protesters. 

- Gareth Davis

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